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Holiday Hiring Signs Pop Up Across Northwest Suburbs

5:09 PM | Friday, September 21, 2018

The holidays are still a few months away, but you’ve probably seen signs that say employers are looking to hire workers. From retail stores like T.J. Maxx in Crystal to Shingle Creek Crossing in Brooklyn Center, signs are everywhere in need of holiday help.

“We think what we are seeing right now is that the labor market is tight right now,” said Oriane Casale with the state’s Labor Market Information Office. “Basically, there are more job openings then there are job seekers right now.”

Tight Labor Market Tied to Unemployment Rate

With an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent in the Twin Cities, retail establishments are having a tougher time hiring talent.

“The tighter the labor market, the harder it is to fill the openings,” added Casale. “Employers are just literally not finding the bodies to fill them so they stay open. A lot of employers are just always hiring now and it’s just going to be more intense during this period.”

While a tighter labor market is good for those seeking work, it’s not so great for employers.

“If you are an unemployed worker it’s a great thing,” said Casale. “You can negotiate wage. You can say well I would love to take your job but I really need to make a dollar an hour more. It’s possible that you will be able to convince the employer to pay you that.”

Too Many Jobs, Not Enough People

With so much competition, employers are having to get more creative with how they attract the workers they need.

“Employers are more and more willing to consider hiring young people who don’t have any experience,” said Casale.

While hiring teens is one way to fill vacancies, labor experts have other suggestions as well.

“Just start early and really try to get the word out there,” said Casale. “Just know it’s going to be a challenge.”

CCX Media is a service of Northwest Community Television serving the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, including Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.